About
Lake Manyara National Park lies in the Arusha Region of Tanzania, set along the foot of the Rift Valley escarpment and beside the shallow, alkaline lake that gives the park its name. It is known locally simply as Manyara.
The park is compact, which makes it a rewarding visit for those with limited time. Within a short drive you can pass through several quite different landscapes, from the shaded groundwater forest to open grassland and the lake's edge. That variety of habitats means the wildlife on view changes as you move through the park.
What you may see
- Tree-climbing lions, which are the park's most talked-about feature and are sometimes spotted resting in the branches of acacia trees.
- Large flocks of flamingos gathered on the alkaline lake, whose shallow waters support them.
- A range of other wildlife across the forest and grassland, depending on the season and the route you take.
Planning your visit
Lake Manyara works well as a stop on a longer safari itinerary or as a day trip from the Arusha area, which offers accommodation, services and onward connections. Because the park is small, allow time to take the main tracks slowly, and keep an eye on the trees as well as the open ground. For up-to-date visiting information, you can call the park on +255 27 253 7495 before you travel.